In-vitro fertilization

David's podcast
32 years ago, Robert G Edwards developed technology called in-vitro fertilization. In this process, egg cells are fertilized by sperm outside the body, and then placed into the uterus of a woman in hopes of a successful pregnancy. After 4 million successful births, Edwards is being rewarded with the Nobel Prize for Medicine at the age of 85. While this was a breakthrough in science, it was met with more controversy than acclaim, as people considered this procedure unnatural and immoral. Today, this procedure is rather common and accepted. But now, the thing to worry about is how far people will take this power. Advances in IVF technology could lead to more than the creation of life, but rather the designing of life, through genetic engineering. This new idea is being received in the same way Edwards’ idea was 32 years ago. The thought that this could lead to a superhuman race has sparked another controversy.

Written and recorded in Room 1 Gregory Hall